| Reality hit me late, but it did hit and it’s finally settled in a little! As a teen-ager, everything is either a major, overwhelming drag or just incredibly huge. It’s a little scary but you just have to hang on and ride it out. I can feel really ordinary one day and superhuman the next. You have to really breathe in the highs and just breathe through the lows and just keep dancing through both.
Born in North Dallas and now residing in the Nashville area, this 16-year-old singer/songwriter may feel ordinary at times but she’s lived no ordinary life and her talent, spirit and personality are truly extraordinary. Acting in children’s theater and studying dance from the age of 5, working as a vocalist for musical projects, radio spots and performing live by the age of 6 and a published ASCAP songwriter by the age of 12 - she’s been on a wild, non-stop ride. "I think my parents kept me busy because I was so hyper and full of energy when I was little. I was an only child for nine years and had some medical stuff early on. They wanted me to experience all I could as fast as I could - didn’t want me to miss anything! They always made me feel that I could do anything. I’ve kind of adopted that outlook and just don’t see any rea
son to stop! There’s so much I want to do and I don’t see any reason not to do it all. I feel like I still have a lot to learn but I’m up for it."
Over the past few years, Kyra has gotten to watch and learn from many of her peers and mentors. "Growing up around all of these people actually doing what you want to do, brings a reality to the process. 'Being famous' isn’t a draw for me. I really want to fulfill this purpose and passion inside of me and take as many people along with me as possible. Fun is no fun alone! Music has always been such a big part of my life and it’s a big part of who I am. I write about what the world looks and feels like to me, and what inspires me, as well as what I see other people dealing with. I love songs that reach out and take you somewhere - whether it’s some place you’ve been before or some place you wanna be. If it doesn’t take you along for the ride, it’s just not your song!"
Coming from such a colorful mix of influences, it’s only natural that Kyra mixes all of the flavors together with her own vision. Her sweet, soulful vocals are uniquely enticing. "I grew up listening to everything from Motown soul, gospel and contemporary Christian stuff to pop rock, urban R&B and some funk, jazz and a little bit of country too. My parents were very protective though - only the clean, positive stuff got through. I listened to a lot of the old Jackson 5, early Michael Jackson solo stuff, Mariah Carey, Jaci Velasquez, Stacie Orrico, Rachael Lampa, Crystal Lewis, Out Of Eden, DC Talk, Yolanda Adams and alot of contemporary gospel like Kirk Franklin. My Dad was always playing some jazz or funk like Parliament. Now, I really like artists like Gavin Degraw, Black-Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Simpson, Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down, Joss Stone, Switchfoot, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Skye Sweetnam and Hanson. I really do love the kind of innocent blend of pop-rock-soul that Hanson brings. I love their writing too, it’s just so honest. My friends think I'm a dork for listening to them, but whatever. There are other artists and writers that I really admire even if I don’t listen to their stuff alot. Anyone walking in their gifts and sharing them with everyone willing to listen, draws me in. They take me along for the ride! I like that."
Looking forward to her debut solo project, Kyra is steady writing and co-writing and in the studio recording now. Her first single, "Make-Up" will be available here at LawToneRecords.com for preview soon. Check out the Photos and the News sections to keep up with her progress. |
